A British ex-pat found dead in Vietnam could have been killed over unpaid debts and was kidnapped and held for a £1,000 ransom on the eve of his death, it has been claimed.

Steve Bush, from Hoveringham, Nottinghamshire, moved to Vietnam ten years ago to work in the metal industry and had lived all over the country.

The 54-year-old father-of-one, died in unexplained circumstances in a hospital in Vung Tau, in Vietnam's South East, on January 12.

His heartbroken friend has said there may be suspicious circumstances involved in the death and it is believed Mr Bush owed six months' rent.

British ex-pat Steve Bush (pictured), who was found dead in Vietnam earlier this month, could have been killed over unpaid debts and was kidnapped and held for a £1,000 ransom on the eve of his death, it has been claimed

Steve Bush (pictured with his daughter Zara), from Hoveringham, Nottinghamshire, moved to Vietnam ten years ago to work in the metal industry and had lived all over the country

Father-of-one Steve Bush is reported to have died in a hospital in Vung Tau (pictured), in Vietnam's South East, on January 12

Andy Oshea also said he believed Mr Bush was 'taken by people who demanded a ransom of £1,000 from his girlfriend'.

Mr Oshea, an expat friend who identified the Briton's body, said he had only recently spoken to Mr Bush.

'He was happy, he was a lost soul but he's a nice guy,' Mr Oshea said.

'He said he didn't know what to do and mentioned that he owed six months' rent.

'I believe he was taken from where he was staying by people who demanded a ransom of £1,000 from his girlfriend. She was unable to do anything.